13 free and sheltered mall playgrounds in Singapore [Photo Gallery]

Let junior take a breather at one of these awesome play spaces when you go shopping!

By
Melissa Tan

Posted: 08 Dec 2017Updated: 27 Feb 2018

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Parents of little kids will know just how difficult it is to shop with your young ‘uns in tow.

And with Christmas just around the corner, you’d probably be dreading all the shopping that needs to be done.

Thankfully, many malls here have just the thing you need – an indoor or sheltered playground for kids to refuel, recharge, so they’ll agree with mummy that shopping is fun, after all!

Rain or shine, these play spaces are a godsend when junior starts to get cranky. So, scroll through our gallery to find these best kept shopping secrets, just for all the mummies and daddies out there.

Causeway Point

WHERE: Level 2, 1 Woodlands Square

WHAT: Head up to the 2nd floor of this popular neighbourhood mall, and your munchkins will be more than delighted with not one but two sheltered playgrounds. The older ones will make a beeline for the Train Terrace playground. The unique train-like climbing structure comes with lots of steps, as well as two slides for your energiser bunny. Babies and toddlers will love the second playground – known as the Jungle Terrace – where they can explore the “jungle trail” and discover and climb up on exotic animals and safari vehicles. We love the brightly coloured playthings, plus, the smooth and rounded edges of the structures make it a safe play space for your sweetie. Both playgrounds aren’t air-conditioned, and note that they will be closed in the event of rain or haze.

IMM

WHERE: Level 3, 2 Jurong East Street 21

WHAT: Head up to the Outdoor Garden Plaza at Level 3, and you’ll be thrilled to find a huge wet and dry (sheltered) playground. There’s an impressive play structure with winding slides, a rock climbing surface, bridges, tunnels and a merry-go-round. The more adventurous kids will love the “flying fox” glider, balance beam and a huge 7m-tall treehouse (this structure isn’t sheltered). We love how spacious the plaza is, and how there are structures for both the younger and older kids.

313@Somerset

WHERE: 5th floor, 313 Orchard Road

WHAT: You won’t find many of these indoor play spaces – especially those that are free! – right smack in the heart of Orchard Road. Located just outside the food court on the fifth floor, this hidden gem is the perfect place for you and your brood to take a short break and recharge from all that shopping. We find that it’s better suited for littler kids (under the age of 7), and it includes a 4-way spring see saw and a little playhouse. The older ones may be more interested in the electronic tower panel that lights up and allows you to play games. While it’s a non-air conditioned space, it does provide you with shelter from the sun. You might get a little wet, though, if it’s a stormy day with strong winds.

Marina Square

WHERE: Level 3, 6 Raffles Boulevard

WHAT: Your kiddos will jump for joy at this fantastic play space located at level 3 of Marina Square, right outside Mothercare. While you’re thankful for the air-con and the seats for parents, junior will have fun zipping down a fireman pole in the fire truck-like structure. There are also animal shaped activity boards for the little ones, and a four-way spring see saw.

Lot One

WHERE: Level 6, 21 Choa Chu Kang Ave 4

WHAT: At Lot One’s rooftop, you’ll find both a wet and dry playground. The dry area is sheltered and perfect for kids of all ages. For the older kids, there’s a rope climbing structure and vertical spinner, while the younger ones will like clamouring up on the colourful climbing structure with slides and stairs. You’ll also find swings, see saws and a merry-go-round.

JEM

WHERE: Level 5, 50 Jurong Gateway Road

WHAT: If you live in the West, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to mall playground. But one that we really like is JEM Play. Located at level 5, it’s a sheltered play space with a huge fan, which means you get a nice breeze, even on the hottest days. There are brightly coloured climbing structures that are angular (but still safe), with interesting textures, in the shape of mudskippers. The play area is great for toddlers, and older kids might prefer a larger netted climbing structure located nearby (this one isn’t sheltered, though). Best of all, the play space is located right outside the food court, so you can grab a cuppa while watching the kids play.

Northpoint

WHERE: Level 4, 930 Yishun Avenue 2

WHAT: At the rooftop of this Yishun mall, you’ll find an adorable interactive play area in a farm animal theme. The sheltered space is nice and spacious, and your mini-me will love wandering through the chicken coop and tree house, while discovering animals like the farm cow and caterpillar. It’s better suited for babies and toddlers.

Tiong Bahru Plaza

WHERE: Level 3, 302 Tiong Bahru Road

WHAT: A newly built 4,300 sqm playground awaits your peewees at this newly renovated mall! Inspired by iconic Singapore playgrounds of the 1980s, the main play structure is in the shape of a bird, since Tiong Bahru is known for its old-school bird-singing corners. Kids will also have fun climbing the hammock forest and horizontal ropes, as well as playing on music panels, the trampoline and the see saw. The playground includes inclusive play elements, such as handicap ramps on the merry-go-round, so even children with special needs can enjoy it. It’s located outdoors but mostly shaded.

City Square Mall

WHERE: B1, 180 Kitchener Rd

WHAT: You might have already been to the huge outdoor playground outside City Square Mall, but for rainy days, head down to Basement 1 where you’ll find a smaller play area that’s comes with a little treehouse and slide, as well as spring rides. If you’re feeling peckish, the playground is right next to Mizu Cafe and Dunkin Donuts, so you can grab a bite while the kiddos play! (Photo: BYKidO)

Paragon

WHERE: Level 5, 290 Orchard Road

WHAT: Most parents are familiar with Paragon’s Level 5, where you’ll find a huge variety of kid-related stores, including Toys’R’Us, Petit Bateau and Mothercare. Another reason to love going there is the playground that comes with slides, ladders and tunnels. The play area has padded floors to keep the kids safe, as well as seats for parents to watch their kids as they play.

IKEA

WHERE: 317 Alexandra Road, or 60 Tampines North Drive

WHAT: This popular furnishings store always thinks of its littlest customers! While you shop away, you can leave them to play at Småland – a magical forest-themed playroom where you’ll find spider webs, a large spruce tree, and a ball pit. There are staff to mind the children, who need to be between 0.9m to 1.3m to play. The only catch: You can only leave your young ‘un there for an hour a day.

Suntec City

WHERE: Level 3, 3E Temasek Boulevard

WHAT: There’s a brand new playground at Level 3 of the East Wing at Suntec City (opposite Evergreen Stationery). The padded play space comes with a slide, tunnel and climbing ropes – which is plenty enough for the little ones. Toddlers will also enjoy touching and feeling sensory boards, or playing at the spring rides. We love the natural lighting and spaciousness of the area.

Waterway Point

WHERE: Level 2, 83 Punggol Central

WHAT: Aptly named Wonderland, this fairytale inspired playground comes complete with rabbits, mushrooms, the Madhatter and of course, Alice herself. A mini-tree house with a slide is also available, as well as sensory playboards mounted on the walls, which are perfect for babies to fiddle around it. The air-conditioned play space is at the Kids & Family Zone, so you can shop for your mini-me’s clothes and toys in stores like Cotton On Kids and Kiddy Palace, all located nearby.